The Magic of AI-Powered Subject Detection in Underwater Photography

By Robert Herb Photography

 

An AI-generated photo-realistic image that visually represents the new AI masking tools in action

New Masking Features in Lightroom That Help Your Marine Subjects Shine

For decades, isolating subjects in underwater photography was a labor-intensive process that demanded meticulous brushwork, manual luminance masks, and abundant patience. Photographers had to invest significant time and effort to achieve the desired results, often resulting in frustration and lengthy editing sessions. However, this once cumbersome task has been revolutionized with the advent of Lightroom Classic. The introduction of advanced AI-powered masking tools has transformed the workflow, empowering photographers to effortlessly select divers, marine life, backgrounds, and entire reef scenes with just a single click. This innovative technology saves time and enhances the creative possibilities, allowing users to focus on their artistic vision rather than the technical challenges of editing underwater images.

In the latest versions of Lightroom Classic (13.2 and newer), Adobe has expanded these capabilities to include two powerful new options:

  • Select Landscape
  • Select Sky (now surprisingly accurate for underwater backgrounds)

If you're an underwater photographer looking to streamline your editing workflow and highlight your subjects precisely, these tools will feel like pure magic.

What Is AI-Powered Masking in Lightroom?

AI masking in Lightroom uses Adobe Sensei technology to analyze your image and automatically select key areas, such as:

  • Subject
  • Background
  • People
  • Sky
  • Objects
  • Landscape (new in 2025)

Each option creates a separate, editable mask layer, allowing you to apply precise adjustments exactly where needed, without affecting the rest of your photo.

Accessing the Masking Tools

Step-by-Step:

  1. Open your underwater image in the Develop Module (D)
  2. Press Shift + W or click the Masking icon (top-right panel)
  3. Choose “Create New Mask”
  4. Select from:
    • Select Subject
    • Select Background
    • Select Sky (great for water!)
    • Select Object
    • Select People
    • Select Landscape

From there, Lightroom will analyze your image and generate an editable mask. A red overlay (Color selection by User) shows what’s been selected.

6 Real-World Examples Using the New AI Options Underwater

1. Select Subject: Isolate a Sea Turtle in Motion

Lightroom's Select Subject does a stellar job when your subject is well-defined, like a swimming turtle.

Steps:

  • Use Select Subject
  • Boost Exposure, Contrast, and Texture
  • Invert the mask to subtly reduce Clarity in the background

Why it works: The contrast between the turtle and the blue water helps Lightroom zero in.

2. Select Sky: Target Background Water for Color Balance

You’d think "Select Sky" has no place underwater - yet it works incredibly well for identifying wide open water areas.

Use Case: Blue water behind a diver or a ray.

Steps:

  • Use Select Sky
  • Adjust Color Temperature slightly toward teal or cool blue
  • Reduce Dehaze to soften the background
  • Optional: Lower Saturation for a more natural open-water look

Pro Tip: Use the Invert option to adjust only the subject after creating the sky mask.

3. Select Landscape: Perfect for Reef Scenes and Coral Beds

The new Select Landscape tool is adept at identifying reef structures, sand, and foreground terrain.

Example: Wide-angle coral reef shots, where the reef fills the lower half of the frame.

Steps:

  • Select Landscape
  • Boost Texture, Clarity, and Shadows
  • Add subtle Vibrance to enhance coral without affecting the diver or fish

Why this matters: It’s an easier alternative to brush-based selections for reef detail enhancement.

4. Combining Select Subject + Select Sky for Layered Edits

Let’s say you have a freediver against a vast blue background.

Workflow:

  1. Use Select Subject to isolate the diver
  2. Make exposure and clarity adjustments
  3. Create a new mask using Select Sky to adjust the water background
  4. Apply Color Grading and adjust the Hue to enhance the water mood

Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • Shift + W to open Mask Panel
  • K to fine-tune with the brush tool
  • O to toggle mask overlay on/off

5. Fixing Backscatter with Inverted Landscape/Sky Selections

Backscatter is primarily visible in open water, not on the subject or reef.

Steps:

  • Use Select Sky or Select Landscape
  • Invert the mask
  • Apply Negative Texture, Negative Clarity
  • Spot-heal with the Healing Tool (Q) if needed

Bonus: If using AI Denoise (Detail Panel), combine with a mask for even cleaner results.

6. Color-Correcting Green or Murky Water

The background might be greenish or brown in freshwater or silt-heavy dive sites.

Steps:

  • Use Select Sky or Select Landscape (whichever targets the murk best)
  • Lower the Temperature to cool the tone
  • Add Blue Primary in the Calibration panel
  • Adjust Tint and Vibrance accordingly

Why this works: Sky and Landscape masks excel at selecting vast, textureless areas, just like murky backgrounds.

Pro Tips for Using AI Masks Underwater

  • Rename Your Masks: Keep organized by right-clicking mask titles (e.g., “Diver Pop,” “Reef Boost”).
  • Stack Masks: Don’t settle for one—create multiple layers for more nuanced edits.
  • Use “Add” & “Subtract” tools to refine: These tools give you precision control when AI makes minor errors.
  • Check Edge Feathering: Underwater subjects often have soft edges. Adjust mask feathering for a more natural blend.

A Note About Performance

AI masks require a powerful CPU/GPU combo to process quickly. If you notice lag, pre-rendering your 1:1 previews and closing background apps can speed things up.

Final Thoughts: Smart Selections, Stunning Results

Adobe’s innovative AI-powered features, including Subject, Sky, and Landscape selections, have significantly transformed the landscape of underwater photo editing, making the process faster, more precise, enjoyable, and creative. Whether you aim to isolate a stunning nudibranch, enhance the intricate details of a vibrant reef, or achieve a perfect balance of blue tones in your underwater imagery, these advanced tools empower you to edit your photos like a professional, without the tediousness of traditional masking techniques.


So, the next time you return from an exhilarating dive trip with a memory card full of breathtaking images, don't hesitate to explore and experiment with these cutting-edge AI tools. You’ll save valuable time that would otherwise be spent on meticulous adjustments and unleash your creativity, allowing you to focus on bringing your underwater adventures to life through stunning visual storytelling.

📌 Resources

Written by Robert Herb – Empowering underwater photographers to capture and enhance the beauty of our oceans.

Stay tuned for more in-depth insights into underwater photography. Let’s dive deeper into the art and craft of capturing the marine world! If you have any comments or suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

Get ready for an exciting underwater photography adventure! For more details on my upcoming online training course, check out my "Training" tab at RobertHerb.com or email me at bob@robertherb.com.

I am eagerly anticipating your valuable feedback and suggestions. 

Sincerely, 

Bob Herb

photo
Robert Herb
Robert Herb Photography

+1 (714) 594-9262‬  |  +504 9784-0024  |  www.RobertHerb.com

Bob@robertherb.com  |  Roatan, HN or Aliso Viejo, CA (USA)


facebookinstagram

Location: Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras

Comments

Post a Comment

Please let me know your comments.

Contact Form

Name

Email *

Message *

Follow "Robert Herb Photography Blog / Tips & Tricks"

The Most Popular Posts from This Blog!

Some Basic Steps to Use for Processing Underwater Photos Using Lightroom from Robert Herb Photography

By Robert Herb Photography
Image
Underwater photo processing can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily edit your underwater photos in Lightroom to bring out the best in them. Here are a few things to keep in mind when editing underwater photos: Adjust the exposure.  Underwater photos are often underexposed, so it's important to adjust the exposure to make them brighter. You can do this by increasing the exposure slider in the Develop panel. Remove backscatter.  Backscatter is the tiny particles of plankton and other debris that can be seen in underwater photos. It can be a nuisance, but it's easy to remove. Simply use the Spot Removal tool to select the backscatter and then click the Delete button. Adjust the white balance.  The white balance of underwater photos can be affected by the color of the water. To adjust the white balance, use the White Balance tool to select a neutral reference point. You can do this by clicking on a piece of white co...
Read more

The Importance of Strobes in Underwater Photography from Robert Herb Photography

By Robert Herb Photography
Image
The Importance of Strobes in Underwater Photography from Robert Herb Photography Underwater photography can be a stunning and captivating way to capture the beauty and mystery of the world beneath the waves. But taking great underwater photos requires a unique set of skills and equipment. One essential piece of gear that every underwater photographer should have in their kit is a strobe. A strobe is a powerful flash that provides additional light for underwater photography. It is designed to simulate natural sunlight, which can be scarce or diffused in the underwater environment. Without a strobe, your photos may appear dark, blurry, and lack contrast and color. There are several reasons why strobes are essential in underwater photography. Here are just a few: 1.     Overcoming the limitations of natural light - The further you descend underwater; the less light is available to illuminate your subject. This can make it difficult to capture the vibrant colors and fin...
Read more

A Beginner's Guide to Underwater Macro Photography

By Robert Herb Photography
Image
Introduction: Beneath the ocean's surface lies an enchanting realm awaiting exploration through the lens of a camera. Among the various techniques available, underwater macro photography emerges as a captivating and rewarding option, especially for beginners. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the nuances of macro photography, exploring its distinctions from wide-angle approaches, the advantages of starting with macro, and how even budget-friendly cameras or smartphones can yield impressive results. Decoding the Depths of Macro Photography Underwater: Macro photography involves the intimate capture of small subjects, bringing to light intricate details often overlooked by the naked eye. Transcending onto the underwater canvas, this technique allows photographers to venture into the microcosm of marine life, unveiling the vibrant colors and unique textures of diminutive creatures such as nudibranchs, shrimp, and coral polyps. Divergence from Wide-Angle Photogr...
Read more